What is the best breed of guard dog in your opinion?

1. 60

   Super Luxposted 11 years ago

   What is the best breed of guard dog in your opinion?
   
   i'm planning to get a pet and I think the best one is a dog--- a guard dog at that.

   replyreport
2. 58

   unreasonablegraceposted 11 years ago

   If you're looking for a dog that will protect you and your family, Dobermans are fantastic guard dogs.  They know who their family is, and will protect it at all costs if trained properly.  Regardless of the breed you choose, please train it properly, socialize it, teach it at least the basic commands, etc.  Otherwise, it is really easy to have your hands full with a strong breed when they have potential aggression problems.
   
   If you're looking for a dog that operates like an alarm, I'd go with a Dachshund.  I have a Standard Dachshund that was a rescue from an abusive owner, and he is simply the best watch dog.  If there's a knock at the door, I know about it.... no matter who it is.  He distinguishes, however, between "other" people and his family.  When "dad" (my fiance) comes home, he makes a completely different sound that is more like a happy whine... and actually starts making that sound as soon as he hears his car pull in the driveway.  In addition to being a great watch dog, he is also a fantastic snuggle buddy... even loves to get under the blankets. 
   
   Good luck in your search for a companion!

   replyreport
3. 61

   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 11 years ago

   Most dogs will automatically guard and protect their owners, so please don't try and train a dog to be a guard dog. Only professionals should do this, and even then this is not always a good idea.
   
   That said, there are certain breeds which tend to have more of a guarding instinct: German Shepherds, Akitas, Dobermans, Rotweillers, to name of few of the more popular breeds.
   
   I recommend researching each of these breeds to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and personality.
   
   There are two books I recommend and keep on my own bookshelf for reference:
   
   1.  Tortora, Daniel F.  The Right Dog for You:  Choosing a Breed That Matches Your Personality, Family and Lifestyle. New York:  Simon and Schuster, 1980.
   
   2.  Walkowicz, Chris.  The Perfect Match: a Buyer's Guide to Dogs.  New York:  Wiley Publishing, Inc., 1996.
   
   To raise a good pet, it is important to socialize the puppy from the time you get it at about 8 weeks (no earlier - not good) until the critical socialization period ends at 3-4 months, and continue to socialize it and train it using positive reinforcement training for the rest of its life. To get a great relationship with your dog and create a reliable partner, use clicker training! If you use any kind of force-based training (shock, choke chain collars, prong collars, leash corrections, dominance) you can very easily create an aggressive dog!
   
   Maybe you don't even want to deal with a puppy - it's a lot of work! You can find great dogs through breed rescues and in animal shelters that are there for no other reason than they do not have a home! If not rescued, these dogs will be killed. Many, many great dogs are killed (millions) every year due to a lack of a home.

   replyreport
   1. 66

      afriqnetposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Sure, these breeds may fit different lifestyles and research on the breed that suits someone's lifestyle is inevitable.

      replyreport
4. 66

   afriqnetposted 11 years ago

   I think Rots make good guard dogs.  GSD also do well as guard dogs

   replyreport
   1. 60

      Super Luxposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      thanks afriqnet

      replyreport
5. 0

   Debbie Dallasposted 11 years ago

   German shepherd!  I owned a $5,000 police dog- trained in Germany shipped to the us for police work!! He was goofy so he retired at one- I purchased him at 5-- along with his son!!
   They were the smartest- human like creatures ever!  You can look at them and they knew EXACTLY - your thoughts!
   
   Any dog is amazing! They all guard! I have a pug who guards the house all day, everyday-- just watches out the window for movement, birds, bugs deer etc..

   replyreport
6. 57

   missbackstreetposted 11 years ago

   German Shepard. I have a white german shepard and it is a female. I believe females tend to make better guard dogs because a female dogs nature is to protect her babies. My dog, she is so protective, by nature. I would definitely say a german shepard.

   replyreport
   1. 60

      Super Luxposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      i'll keep that in mind.

      replyreport
   2. 75

      Castlepalomaposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      A mid size German Shepherd is ideal. They give good warning with their eye contact, then get their owner. Larger dogs can be dangerous as guard dogs

      replyreport